News Article
English Shinty Association vs USA Shinty Match
Friday, April 19th, 2013 at 8:22AM
After Nottingham Forest’s switch to football in the late Victorian era, it has been left to the London clubs to carry the torch for shinty south of the border. Reduced to just one club in the upheavals of the Second World War, London Camanachd were the sole representatives of English Shinty for well over half a decade. That changed in 2012, with the arrival on the scene of Cornwall Shinty Club, dozens of new shinty fans in the South West, a colleges outreach programme, and a determination to link with shinty followers elsewhere in England.
The English Shinty Association (ESA) was formed, and plays its first match this Saturday. Aiming big, the ESA has chosen a unique, groundbreaking fixture for its first tie: a representative match against the United States Camanachd!
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the core of the English team will be formed from the traditional exiles team, London Camanachd. Perhaps more surprising is the cosmopolitan nature of the London Camanachd contribution, featuring Lowlanders, English players, Irishmen and Canadians all hoping to get one over their new rivals. On the face of it, the Cornwall contingent may feel more at home with a US side that draws the bulk of its talent from another region better known for sun and surf than shinty: California. However, no-one can doubt the West Country players commitment to their new sport, and each earned much praise for their dramatic progress. No matter their background, and achievements so far in the sport, everyone playing for England feels a great deal of pride at the chance to play in such a historic occasion, and are hoping to mark their competitive debut with a victory.
Away from the headline grabbing international matches, the ESA are working hard to grow the sport in England. ESA are delighted to be working with Atkins who have kindly provided helmets for the association.
Anybody wanting to know more about the sport is more than welcome to get in touch, and the ESA urges everyone from complete beginners to experienced players to get involved.
Please contact:
Graham Love
Secretary
English Shinty Association
Tel 07771 987264
The weekend continues with the St Andrews Sixes on Sunday 21st, this year attracting up to 20 teams with players from across the globe. Please find attached invite for more information- though please note team entry has now closed for the sixes 2013 . Any questions please don’t hesitate to get in contact with Graham.
The international match takes place Sat 20th April, Throw-up 5pm St Andrews University Athletic Union, St Leonards Road, St Andrews, Fife.
Generously supported by Abbott Risk Consulting Ltd.
